Thus a Swarm of foolish Novels, and monstrous Romances will be produced to the great Loss of Time &3133; in the Reader; nay, often to the spreading of Scandal and Calumny, and to the Prejudice of the Characters of many worthy and honest People.

The narrator makes this remark in Chapter I of Book IX as part of his introductory remarks. The quote sheds light on the fact that the "novel" was a new form in Fielding's time, and its definition was up for debate. Fielding distinguishes his work by calling it a "History," rather than a "Novel" or "Romance." Yet, by modern standards, Fielding's work belongs to all three categories.